Worm Composting Overview

Composting with worms. A number of people are starting compost areas in their yards. It is an area worth learning more about.

Worm Composting – Worm composting is using worms to recycle food scraps and other organic material into a valuable soil amendment called vermicompost, or worm compost. Worms eat food scraps, which become compost as they pass through the worm’s body. Compost exits the worm through its’ tail end. This compost can then be used to grow plants. To understand why vermicompost is good for plants, remember that the worms are eating nutrient-rich fruit and vegetable scraps, and turning them into nutrient-rich compost. Source: Cornell Composting

Remember your end result is worm castings, (worm poop)

Once the contents of your bin have turned to worm castings — brown, earth-looking stuff — it’s time to harvest the castings and give your worms new bedding. Worm castings can be harvested anywhere form two and a half months to every six months, depending on how many worms you have and how much food you’ve been giving them. Source: “How about Worm Composting?”

At Midwest Laboratories we work with clients who analyze their final compost product for resale. If you want to learn more about this growing industry, check out the US Composting Council site for more information.